There's a lot more overlap between Apple and Microsoft than between Apple and Ford. Previously you could argue that Apple was purely a hardware company because

There's a lot more overlap between Apple and Microsoft than between Apple and Ford. Previously you could argue that Apple was purely a hardware company because they bundled their OS and software with Mac hardware, and Microsoft was purely a software company because they didn't but recently the lines have blurred. Apple, like Microsoft, backs the creation of consumer devices for hardware that they did not invent nor own (e.g. the Zen vs the iPod). Microsoft also is now selling software bundled solely with hardware---the Kincet, and the Xbox---taking a page out of Apples book. When it comes to software/hardware hardly anyone competes with a company that exists in a proper set of their own industries. For example, Sony is competing with Microsoft when it comes to consumer entertainment hardware (Xbox/Playstation), but they're competing with Amazon when it comes to eBook readers and Apple when it comes to portable music players. Sure Ms and Apple are not identical companies but they are worth comparing.